Paper Machine Production Specialist

Smurfit Westrock plc; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 93,500 - 126,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings plans

Flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts

Life and disability insurance programs

Paid sick leave

15 days of paid vacation

11 days of paid holidays

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc in Syracuse, NY is seeking a Production Specialist to oversee paper machine operations while ensuring safety and environmental stewardship. Responsibilities include production coordination, technician training, and participation in the Safety Leadership Team.

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in engineering and strong analytical skills. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and generous vacation time.

Qualifications

• Experience working in paper making process is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years supervisory experience in the paper industry.
• Strong desire to progress in operations management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the production of 3 paper machines including logistics and maintenance coordination.
• Participate in the Safety Leadership Team.
• Assist in technician training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting skills

Decision-making skills

Organizational skills

Team player with positive attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Paper Science or Mechanical)

Job description

Opportunity

The Production Specialist is responsible for ensuring safety and environmental stewardship of our employees and our processes within the papermill. This position oversees the production of 3 paper machines including Logistics (Inbound and Outbound), Utilities (Water Recycling Facility and Boilers), and Maintenance coordination.

How you will impact WestRock

• Responsible to uphold the Solvay Mill Team Concept in all aspects: safety, training, completion and adherence to policies and procedures. Includes periodic inspections of all area equipment, housekeeping of facilities, which includes the writing of work orders when deficiencies are observed.
• Act as a spare shift team coordinator and/or BUS (i.e. vacations, training, etc.).
• Recommend and initiate solutions for continuous improvement by completing one six sigma project a year.
• Participate in the Safety Leadership Team.
• Assist in technician training (i.e. progress updates, training timelines, etc.).
• Using team concept – coordinate mill production activities, using discretion and decision‑making skills, to meet Company and mill goals. Work with Business Unit Leaders / Specialists and technicians to efficiently optimize mill productivity and uptime.
• Coordination of mill shift maintenance and shutdown activities.
• Assist on machine outages (i.e. leading crews and jobs).
• Monitor and hold teams accountable for teamwork adherence (i.e. quality, rounds, etc.).
• Support mill shift team and line team coordinators by participating in team meetings and following up on action items.

What you need to succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Paper Science or Mechanical) is preferred.
• A work history which demonstrates a proven commitment to safety is required.
• Experience working in paper making process is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to set goals, track progress, and hold a team accountable.
• Strong organizational skills; the ability to prioritize, maintain attention to detail and recognize time constraints as related to production optimization.
• Strong desire to progress in operations management.
• A minimum of 2 years supervisory experience in the paper industry.
• A team player with a positive attitude that will continuously pursue strategies to ensure safety and quality and build rapport with the crews. The desire to teach, coach, mentor and promote the success of a dynamic, goal oriented and fast paced environment.

What we offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.
• Short‑term bonus incentive.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law.
• 15 days of paid vacation.
• 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change.

The salary range for this position is $93,500 - $126,500.

WestRock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans.